World Briefing | Americas: Brazil: Strike At Volkswagen Off, for Now

By Jennifer L. Rich (NYT)

Published: November 20, 2001

Striking metal workers at Volkswagen's biggest Brazilian factory provisionally returned to work after the company offered to reverse 3,000 layoffs in exchange for a 15 percent reduction in the work week and voluntary buyouts for 700 employees. Union members, who struck last week after the company announced an 11 percent cut in its Brazilian work force, will take a final vote on the offer on Wednesday. Volkswagen, Brazil's top selling automaker, is trying to cut costs and regain competitiveness as sales have slipped from greater competition and an economic slump. Jennifer L. Rich (NYT)